Celtic boss Martin O'Neill has hinted he will continue to use Kasper Hogh as his starting number nine over Camilo Duran despite the latter's fine performance over the weekend.
Duran has largely played on the right for Celtic despite being a centre-forward by nature, with expensive striker signing Kasper Hogh the preferred option.
Hogh is a very different type of player. He is not as much as a natural finisher, but the Dane holds the ball up brilliantly and brings wingers into play, which is important for O'Neill's system of play, which is heavily winger-reliant.
Hogh has been poor in front of goal of late, but he does have the ability to score goals, so it's hoped he will get back to goal-scoring form.
And even after Duran scored twice for Celtic while playing in the striker role in the absence of Hogh over the weekend, O'Neill's comments make it clear that the Dane will be starting there when fit.
“He’s a terrific footballer," O'Neill said of Duran. "I think he’s a natural forward, but he’s drifted there when Kasper (Hogh) has played centre-forward, and Kasper gives you probably that physical strength as well too.
“Also, Kasper is a goalscorer in and around the penalty area, but Camilo’s just a dream to work with. His English is getting better, but all we just keep saying to him, ‘son, you’re brilliant’.”
O'Neill is going to have to find some sort of balance. And one would hope that his decision-making when it comes to the striker role will not be conditioned by the fee the Bhoys paid for Hogh.
Celtic are a little out of balance with Duran on the wing. Not that he has played poorly, but there are questions where Haissem Hassan will fit into the attack following his summer arrival.
There will be decisions to be made by O'Neill, and especially when Jota gets back to full fitness in the coming weeks. But on the plus side, the Bhoys have options, and with the Champions League game aside, those options have been bearing fruit.
Speaking after the weekend's win over Falkirk, O'Neill added: "It’s been a tough old week, so it’s good to win the game. It’s the most important thing for us, and we’ll get better.”
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